After 22 Fights, UFC Releases Melvin Guillard

After 22 fights inside the famed UFC Octagon, lightweight Melvin Guillard was released by the promotion. MMAfighting.com first reported the news on Friday and Guillard’s manager, Malki Kawa, later confirmed the development via Twitter.

Guillard (31-13-2, 2 NC) participated on the second season of The Ultimate Fighter, but was eliminated from the competition after losing a unanimous decision to Josh Burkman. Through 2010 and 2011, Guillard rose through the ranks by putting together a five-fight winning streak and was on the cusp of a title shot. His championship hopes were dashed at UFC 136 when he lost to Joe Lauzon by first-round submission.

In has last eight outings, Guillard has lost five fights while winning only two. He was on his way to a victory over Ross Pearson on Oct. 26, 2013, but after delivering an illegal knee, the fight was ruled a No Contest. He last fought on March 8, losing a unanimous decision to Michael Johnson at UFC Fight Night 37.

The 30-year-old will not likely stay on the open market for long, and speculation has already begun about what promotion he’ll sign with. Kawa has criticized Bellator MMA in the past and stated that he will not do business with the promotion, but that doesn’t mean Guillard won’t.

Phone hasn’t stopped ringing this morning from all these promotions in ref to @Young__Assassin

— malki kawa (@malkikawa) March 21, 2014

Lol just cuz I won’t deal with bellator doesn’t mean my brother won’t. Melvin will sign w promo that will keep him busy and pays him well.

— malki kawa (@malkikawa) March 21, 2014